The Parkscope Podcast artwork

The Parkscope Podcast

317 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★★ - 109 ratings

The Parkscope Podcast is an irreverent look into the world of amusement parks and themed entertainment. Our show covers everything - from regional roller coasters to multi-billion dollar themed attractions and everything in between.

EXPLICIT WARNING: Some adult language, situations, and beverages occur. It's all PG-13 fun.

Places & Travel Society & Culture Arts Performing Arts theme parks amusement parks walt disney world universal universal studios universal studios florida universal orlando universal orlando resort harry potter world diagon alley
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Episodes

Parkscope Unproffesional Podcast Hour #139 - Accio Christmas

November 24, 2017 05:01 - 49 minutes - 45.5 MB

Joe and Lane are joined by Banks Lee from Attractions the Show to discussion Super Nintendo World permits, Walt Disney World parade taping, Sunset Seasons Greetings at Hollywood Studios, Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's, The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle, Celestina Warbeck, and the holiday offerings at Gaylord Palms!

Immersive Irony Experience Theme Park Podcast - Fata Morgana Memorial Episode

November 21, 2017 03:43 - 1 hour - 100 MB

Alan, Lane, and Alex discuss Orlando trips, yet another Halloween Horror Nights 27 review, Volcano Bay, what happens when you have a billion dollars burning a hole in your pocket (aka Pandora), Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, Mine Blower impressions, the state of the Busch and SeaWorld parks, Alex visits the new Owa Park, Six Flags over Georgia is actually amazing, Lightning Rod, Lane’s Europe trip, Oktoberfest and Olympia Looping, Efteling and Symbolica, Stroopwafels, Diggerland, Fal...

Parkscope Unproffesional Podcast Hour #138 - 2 Pirates 2 Caribbean

November 09, 2017 02:57 - 1 hour - 56.7 MB

Nick, Sean, and Joe break away from a busy week to discuss the news of Universal's new hotels, some small rumors, Sean's impressions on Pandora, Sean's thoughts on Volcano Bay, and Sean's wrap-up for HHN27. Then we answer your questions from Twitter!

Immersive Irony Experience Theme Park Podcast - Operating Season 2017 Memorial Episode

October 19, 2017 00:05 - 1 hour - 104 MB

A three part bonanza! Yes THREE separate files! Alan is joined by Alex to talk Mean Streak, the Ohio State Fair fatality, Wonder Woman Golden Lasso, RMC, Lake Compounce, Balderdash, the SkyRide, Coney Island, Atlantic City, Jersey Shore, New England parks, closing out the last few trip reports of Summer 2017, and MORE!

Immersive Irony Experience Theme Park Podcast - SkyRide Memorial Episode

October 18, 2017 23:45 - 1 hour - 78.7 MB

A three part bonanza! Yes THREE separate files! Alan is joined by Alex to talk Mean Streak, the Ohio State Fair fatality, Wonder Woman Golden Lasso, RMC, Lake Compounce, Balderdash, the SkyRide, Coney Island, Atlantic City, Jersey Shore, New England parks, closing out the last few trip reports of Summer 2017, and MORE!

Immersive Irony Experience Theme Park Podcast - Mean Streak Memorial Episode

October 18, 2017 23:33 - 1 hour - 82.1 MB

A three part bonanza! Yes THREE separate files! Alan is joined by Alex to talk Mean Streak, the Ohio State Fair fatality, Wonder Woman Golden Lasso, RMC, Lake Compounce, Balderdash, the SkyRide, Coney Island, Atlantic City, Jersey Shore, New England parks, closing out the last few trip reports of Summer 2017, and MORE!

Parkscope Unproffesional Podcast Hour #137 - Halloween Horror Nights 27 Review, Pt 2

October 13, 2017 00:00 - 1 hour - 90.5 MB

Now it's Nick and Mike's turn to talk about Halloween Horror Nights 27. Joe has a beer, Nick loves Blumhouse, and Mike does laundry.

Parkscope Unprofessional Podcast Hour #136 - Halloween Horror Nights 27 Review, Pt 1

September 29, 2017 03:11 - 2 hours - 124 MB

Joe is joined by Brian to talk all about their Halloween Horror Nights experiences. Plus some Toothsome and Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon.

4th Anniversary Special

September 21, 2017 11:54 - 6 minutes - 6.24 MB

Joe is traveling so it’s a quick episode to talk some brand new UOR rumors and lots of thanks.

Parkscope Unprofessional Podcast Hour #135 - The 17 Year Itch

September 15, 2017 02:48 - 1 hour - 89.8 MB

Joe, Mike, Nick, and special guest Paulie join to discuss some HHN27 TM member impressions, the disgusting idea of a candy corn alcoholic drink, the Cleveland Indians, and Joe's car woes. Then the rest of the episode we deep dive into Paulie's trip to Orlando as he tackles Universal Orlando for the first time in 17 years, his daughter's first time to the Wizarding World, Toothsome, Volcano Bay (good and bad), and more! Then we close it out with his trip to Walt Disney World with his stay at ...

Parkscope Unprofessional Podcast Hour #134 - Vesper Slush

September 08, 2017 02:06 - 34 minutes - 31.6 MB

On this episode Joe, Lane, and Mike talk more Halloween Horror Nights 27 reactions, Dueling Dragons/Dragons Challenge closing, T2:3D October 8th closure announcement, T2:3D replacement ideas, Shrek 4D rumors, and lots and lots of James Bond talk.

Parkscope Unprofessional Podcast Hour #133 - Kyle and Pelè

September 01, 2017 02:10 - 2 hours - 130 MB

We have a double header of a show for you this week! Joe and Nick are joined by distinguished blogger and podcaster Derek "They'll Always Be the San Diego Chargers To Me" Burgan. First up are the top six and bottom six rated attractions at Universal Orlando Resort as voted by the readers of TouringPlans.com and The Unofficial Guide. Afterwards they dive into the full Halloween Horror Nights 27 reveal. We cover the houses, scare zones, shows, and our thoughts on the farewell of Bill & Ted. T...

Immersive Irony Experience Theme Park Podcast- Summer 2017 Memorial Episode (Pt 2)

August 25, 2017 00:00 - 2 hours - 149 MB

Part 2 of our 2017 summer trip reports! Alan is joined by Andrew and Alex (lots of A's here) to talk over a dozen parks! Moose on the Loose! Time Stamps: Fantasy Island/Darien Lake (Andrew) 5:00 Marineland (Andrew/Alex) 20:00 Six Flags Discovery Kingdom (Alex) 25:00 Oaks Park/Enchanted Forest (Alex) 38:00 Silverwood (Alex) 48:30 Wild Waves (Alex) 1:07:30 Sonoma TrainTown (Alex) 1:18:00 Coaster Credit Whorin’ in Fresno (Alex) 1:21:30 Gilroy Gardens (Alex) 1:23:30 Santa Cruz Beach ...

Immersive Irony Experience Theme Park Podcast- Summer 2017 Memorial Episode (Pt 1)

August 18, 2017 01:19 - 2 hours - 143 MB

Alan is joined by Andrew Hyde and Ryan to discuss a whole host of summer trip reports to parks! Perfect podcast to listen to on road trips, rain delays, audits, or running a marathon. Come for the reports stay for Cool n Fresh. Lagoon Amusement Park (Ryan) 0:50 Cedar Point (Alan and Andrew) 45:37 Kings Island (Alan and Andrew) 56:59 Clementon, Fun Plex, Six Flags Great Adventure (Andrew) 1:12:00 Jersey Shore Parks (Andrew) 1:17:00 Six Flags Great America, Santa’s Village, and Donley’s ...

Parkscope Unprofessional Podcast Hour #132 - Hooray for Hollywood

August 11, 2017 02:58 - 1 hour - 81 MB

Join Joe and David Daut (Twitter) as they talk about their evolved views on studios parks, The Star Wars Hotel/Experience, role playing in parks, immersive theater experiences, and if/how theme parks should be archived once changed or removed. As discussed in the show: Sleep No More(wiki) Virtual Mr Toad Horizons: Resurrected

Parkscope Unprofessional Podcast Hour #131 - SWEEPSTAKES

August 04, 2017 02:54 - 1 hour - 59.5 MB

Joe and Lane talk about ALL THE HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS 27 NEWS. Or not really. Our bad. We talk about local parks additions with Cedar Fair, Six Flags Fiesta Texas' Wonder Woman Golden Lasso, and some Busch rumors. Then we talk about some Star Wars VR, more Harry Potter construction news, and then your questions! SWEEPSTAKES!

Parkscope Unprofessional Podcast Hour #130 - Put Your Hyper in a Box

July 27, 2017 22:21 - 55 minutes - 50.7 MB

Joe, Mike, and Nick talk about National Rollercoaster Day announcements, recap D23 with some late news, talk about Minnie Vans, beer 'n' pretzels at DHS, your questions, and the new Harry Potter coaster coming to IoA!

Parkscope Unprofessional Podcast Hour #129 - Midnight D23 Post Show

July 20, 2017 00:33 - 1 hour - 81 MB

Jeff's been at a NASCAR race all night so hasn't followed the D23 news this past Saturday. So Joe, drunk from the normal show, joins Jeff late at night to go over all the news with our thoughts and opinions.

Parkscope Live!: D23 2017 Parks and Resorts Panel

July 16, 2017 02:09 - 1 hour - 106 MB

The core crew is back to cover the D23 Parks and Resorts 2017 panel. We're super drunk. Beware.

Parkscope Unprofessional Podcast Hour #128 - Parkscope Airhorn

July 13, 2017 02:21 - 49 minutes - 46.2 MB

Joe, Sean, and Mike make small talk about changes coming to the auction scene at Pirates of the Caribbean, Siemens dropping sponsorship of Spaceship Earth and Illuminations, crazy Walt Disney World rumors, and cover all the speculation on D23 expo. It's a slapdash episode because... well we don't know what's going to happen! We'll also be doing a live podcast 6PM EST Saturday July 15th to cover the D23 Parks and Resorts panel!

Parkscope Unprofessional Podcast Hour #127 - Stampeeding Spanish Teenagers

June 29, 2017 00:00 - 1 hour - 97 MB

Alan, Joe, Nick, and Sean team up for yet another road trip extravaganza. First we talk about Hurler 2.0, Mine Blower at Fun Spot Kissimmee, developments on the old Wet n Wild property, and dive into the Super Nintendo World leaks and plans. Next up Nick talks about his first trip to Walt Disney World with his child and a review of Pandora: World of Avatar. Then we close up the show with Alan discussing his whirlwind European trip to Port Adventura, Ferrari Land, Tipidabo, Conny-land (with ...

Immersive Irony Experience Theme Park Podcast - Rob Pilatus Memorial

June 22, 2017 00:00 - 55 minutes - 47.6 MB

Alan is joined by Jerry Brick, General Manager of Lake Compounce to talk the history of the park, Wildcat's 90th anniversary and refurbishment, Boulderdash, historical rides, their partnership with the Haunted Graveyard haunt event, their newest coaster Phobia, Milli Vanilli, and more!

Parkscope Unprofessional Podcast Hour #126 - Spring Trip Report Blow Out!

June 15, 2017 00:00 - 2 hours - 160 MB

Alan, Jeff, and Joe talk about the mess of an opening of Volcano Bay, the inevitability of Pandora doing "well", Flight of Passage ride system issues, Nintendo announcements (no, not the leaked plans), Mean Streak 2.0 teaser, and Kennywood's 2018 plans. Finally they all talk about their trips over the past month to Cedar Point, Lake Compounce, Hersheypark, Holiday World, Kennywood, Carrowinds, and more!

Immersive Irony Experience Theme Park Podcast- George Millay Memorial Episode

June 08, 2017 01:09 - 1 hour - 52.8 MB

It's a family affair this week as Alan is joined by his cousin Tom Dion to talk about UFC vs boxing, gambling advice, and Tom's years as GM and auditor of various water parks around the country. They talk about how Tom got into the industry, riding slides as "testing", awkwardly auditing water parks for safety, applying for jobs in Tanzania, how a park handles a catastrophic event, and life advice for anyone looking to get into the industry.

Parkscope Unprofessional Podcast Hour #125 - A B&M Hyper in Every Park

May 25, 2017 02:29 - 1 hour - 91.2 MB

This episode Lane briefly joins us from the SunTrust Park to lay out his plan to fix all of WDW for less money than it took to build Pandora, Joe talks about his Cedar Point trip, Sean talks about visiting the Harry Potter Studio Tour in England, and Nick cuts in and out of connectivity. We also discuss Pandora previews, Volcano Bay media day, locals overhyping projects, The Shining and Conjuring at HHN, new hotels, Sesame Street, and then answer your non-theme park questions!

Immersive Irony Theme Park Podcast - Shark Fin Soup Memorial Episode

May 18, 2017 00:00 - 1 hour - 95.9 MB

Alan is joined by Tom Mehrmann, owner and founder of Themed Advisers Ltd. They discuss Tom's past as VP of Operations and Entertainment at Knotts Berry Farm, VP and GM of several Six Flags parks around the world, his twelve years as CEO of Ocean Park in Hong Kong, Tom's philosophy on running amusement parks, the future of the Asian amusement park industry, and more!

Parkscope Unprofessional Podcast Hour #124 - Spay and Neuter Your Banshees

May 11, 2017 02:00 - 55 minutes - 51 MB

Joe, Nick, and Lane are joined by Banks Lee of Attractions Magazine the Show to do a quick news run down before discussing Bank's visit to Pandora - The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Yes there are two Price is Right jokes in the episode.

Immersive Irony Experience Theme Park Podcast- Space World Memorial Episode

April 30, 2017 01:00 - 1 hour - 85.7 MB

In this episode Alan is joined by Sean Flaharty who currently works on the touring The Eyes of Freedom touring memorial. They talk about their coaster club origins, Sean's stint as ACE PR manager, Mystic Timbers, California trips, Space World, geocaching, paying to go into Legoland for 45 minutes, taping ones life since pre-teen years, VHS video recorders, and more crazy stories.

Parkscope Unprofessional Podcast Hour #123 - Pandora 20/20

April 22, 2017 03:12 - 1 hour - 100 MB

We're back baby! Joe's drinking, Sean's talking MST3K, Nick is killing palmetto bugs, and Lane is interrupting. We talk about SeaWorld's investments, Infinity Falls (infinity = 40 ft.), Pandora photos, Star Wars land news, Club 33 at WDW, A Very Merry Potter Christmas, #HHN27, Volcano Bay cabanas, and all the delicious food. At the end Nick gives his impressions of this year's Grad Bash (and Fallon) then Joe talks about his First Rider Event for Mystic Timbers!

Immersive Irony Experience Theme Park Podcast- Lakemont Park Memorial Episode

April 15, 2017 01:16 - 1 hour - 59.7 MB

Alan is joined by Andrew Hyde, Jon Hymes, and Super Weenie Hut Jr to talk about all the new rides coming to local amusement parks.

Immersive Irony Experience Theme Park Podcast- Crystal Beach Memorial Episode

March 30, 2017 00:00 - 51 minutes - 47.7 MB

Alan is joined by Victoria Wolcott, Chair and Professor of History at University at Buffalo, SUNY to discuss the history of race relations in amusement parks, pools, and other areas of recreation in the United States. Check out her book 'Race, Riots, and Rollercoasters' available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle.

Parkscope Unprofessional Podcast Hour #122- BREAKING RUMORS

March 23, 2017 02:02 - 1 hour - 58.1 MB

In a world where all news is breaking, none of it is. Our resident existentialists Joe and Sean are joined by Nick to discuss all the rumors from Universal and Disney that broke this past week. We cover patents, Dry 'n Tame, Dragons Challenge replacements, WDW resorts hiking prices and planning to sell out, VR Sugar Rush, Tron coasters, World Showcase pavilions and rides, Cars in Test Track, The Great Mickey Ride, Rivers of Light 2.0, Pandora Annual Passholder previews, catches breath, and m...

Parkscope Unprofessional Podcast Hour #121- Baby's First Podcast

March 15, 2017 01:23 - 55 minutes - 51.7 MB

Amelia joins us for her first podcast with Nick, Joe, Sean, and Lane! We all talk about Miss Adventure Falls, Geyser Point, Pandora, Volcano Bay, and then close out with Sean's trip to the Jurassic World the Exhibition at the Franklyn Institute.

Parkscope Unprofessional Podcast Hour #120- You Get a Tonight Show Cup?

March 03, 2017 20:00 - 1 hour - 54.7 MB

Joe had a rough, long day so he had a few fog cutters and sat down with Brian from Orlando United/Inside Universal to talk about HHN dates for a hot second, the merger of OU and IU, and we discuss the first day of soft openings for Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon.

Parkscope Unprofessional Podcast Hour #119- Rivers of Light Reviewed

February 22, 2017 03:26 - 1 hour - 61.6 MB

This week's episode Joe is joined by Dani from Touring Plans and Ben from Disney Photography Blog! We open the show with discussions on Universal's new advertising push on TV and their twitter account and news of Fallon TM previews. Then we dive into the meat of the episode and discuss expansions at Caribbean Beach Resort and Coronado Resort, the death of the tiered resort structure, the much rumored WDW gondola transportation system, and close out with a big review of Rivers of Light.

Immersive Irony Experience Theme Park Podcast- George The Animal Steele Memorial

February 18, 2017 17:35 - 1 hour - 61.2 MB

This week Alan is joined by Mark Rosenzweig of Ride Entertainment. Ride Entertainment is a world leader in providing attractions, installations, park development services, and park operations along with the OEM of the SkyCoaster. Alan and Mark talk park operations, their philosophy and methods for selling rides, CRAZY STAN CHECKETTS STORIES like the S&S Sonic Boom, and more. Make sure to follow Ride Entertainment and Alan on Twitter.

Parkscope Unprofessional Podcast Hour #118- Actual Polynesia

February 09, 2017 03:08 - 57 minutes - 53 MB

Joe, Lane, and Sean return and are joined by our guest Felipe! This week's show covers Volcano Bay, Jimmy Fallon testing, a review of the Celebration of Harry Potter, the Forbidden Forrest rumors, Star Wars and Avatar land opening dates (or years), Rivers of Light, and a quick Marathon Weekends review from Lane.

Immersive Irony Experience Theme Park Podcast- Epcot Memorial Episode

February 03, 2017 01:56 - 2 hours - 132 MB

Our new podcast series hosted by Alan searches his rolodex for friends and industry insiders to talk about the amusement industry. This week's podcast he's joined by Michael, @SuperWeenieHtJr, to discuss Las Vegas, bad coaster designs, the weirdness of Hersheypark, and to eulogize Epcot.

Parkscope Unprofessional Podcast Hour #117 Endless Rambling

January 21, 2017 07:00 - 2 hours - 134 MB

Joe is joined by Alan to talk about amusement parks, roller coasters around the world, The European Coaster Club, beers, and other random discussions on the meaning of life.

116- MaxiPass

January 12, 2017 02:59 - 49 minutes - 46 MB

Joe and Nick stretch one out in the new year and talk Avatar, Star Wars Galactic Nights, booze, Potter nighttime show rumors, Volcano Bay updates, and then close it out with Lane calling in to talk about his recent trip for the WDW Marathon.

115- 2016 Holiday Extravaganza

December 08, 2016 03:50 - 1 hour - 73.4 MB

Parkscope gathers around the fire to drink Christmas beers and talk theme parks. Sean talks about Grinchmas, Lane talks about his trips to Universal Studios Singapore and Disneyland, we discuss a seven hour Star Wars guided tour at Hollywood Studios, SeaWorld's slow decline, and then answer your questions! Happy holidays everyone and make sure to decorate that aluminum pole!

114- Nintendo, Woo-Hoo!

November 30, 2016 03:00 - 57 minutes - 59.6 MB

Joe, Sean, and Nick talk topical, HHN26! Then we cover monorail restaurant crawls, food and wine, trains outside Joe's window, Rivers of Light, Fantastic Beasts (we found them), Joe screwing up his mic input settings, and then some Nintendo news and speculation! Note my use of the oxford comma.

113- All The Disney

November 23, 2016 04:00 - 1 hour - 74.8 MB

Joe is joined by Brian from Orlando United to talk about a little Universal news then A WHOLE LOTTA DISNEY NEWS. We cover Avatar news, Rivers of Light, Epcot Festival of Arts, refreshing Epcot rumors, Magic Kingdom cabanas, Shanghai's opening a Toy Story Playland, and Hong Kong Disneyland is building a new castle and new attractions.

112- Fire Beacon

November 03, 2016 02:54 - 1 hour - 56.1 MB

Lane had a calzone and Joe groans about the Indians choking. We cover new info on the Jimmy Fallon attraction at USF, Volcano Bay news drops 10am on 11/3, new UOR resort busses and transportation info, Artegon is up for sale and to whom, Lane reviews his upcoming Disneyland trip, and then Joe closes it out with his impression on Hulk and Reign of Kong.

111- Halloween Horror Nights 26

October 21, 2016 01:00 - 1 hour - 80.4 MB

Lane hosts as Joe, Mike, and Nick talk about their trip to Orlando and Horror Nights. We talk about our night at Hoop, Trader Sam's shenanigans, off site hotels, coverall all the HHN houses, walk through the scare zones, review the Academy of Villains and Bill and Ted, and finally close with our thoughts on The Repository uncharge experience.

110- Hurricanes Suck

October 11, 2016 01:30 - 39 minutes - 36.9 MB

We're tired and exhausted as we finally delay our Orlando trip Wednesday in the prelude to Hurricane Matthew. Then we talk about Muppets in Liberty Square, Shanghai Disneyland not meeting attendance (and maybe financial?) expectations, new Star Wars land rumors, and more.

109- Lane's European Vacation

October 01, 2016 02:00 - 1 hour - 71 MB

Joe, Lane, Mike, and Nick are here to defeat pollution and also talk about SeaWorld 2017 plans, The Repository, Mardis Gras, and a huge trip report from Lane's massive three week European trip.

108- Have a Yuengling

September 24, 2016 03:00 - 1 hour - 82 MB

Joe is joined by Kenny from In the Loop and we go off the rails for the first 10 minutes talking about beer and baseball stadiums. Sorry. Then we jump into Mean Streak, Food & Wine, Tower of Terror at DCA, seasonal Stitch, Toothsome, Halloween Horror Nights, and your questions!

107- Lets Talk About Six Flags?

September 08, 2016 03:00 - 32 minutes - 30.2 MB

Joe, Lane, and Nick talk about Six Flag's batch of announcements, Universal Orlando annual pass price increases, how Volcano Bay could fit into the new pricing structure, and Halloween Horror Nights. It's a quick one folks!

Lets Talk Cursed Child

August 22, 2016 02:30 - 2 hours - 132 MB

This episode is rated PG-13. It's time for an intervention and talk Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Joe and Mike are joined by Cameron, who've seen Part One of the play in London to walk through the book. After a bourbon and a beer we dive into discussing the plot, how scenes were replicated on stage, talk fan theories, and all unanimously agree Scorpius Malfoy is amazing.

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